Appropriate
homework experiences can provide a bond of common effort between
the child, teacher and parent. Conversely, inappropriate
assignments can serve as a source of dispute. Consequently, it is
essential that teachers make every effort to insure that
assignments are:
Necessary and
constructive
Appropriate to the
ability and interest level of the students.
Clearly explained and
understood by the students.
Accepting
this and based upon a consensus of research findings, the
following guidelines are suggested:
Teachers should minimize
routine type homework for primary age children because it is
generally not effective.
Homework should be used
to reinforce and enrich learning, not to introduce new
material.
Assignments should be as
individualized as possible, and based on student ability
level.
Teachers should provide
appropriate time to teach work-study habits.
At all levels of
schooling, teachers should allow sufficient time for
independent study, and guided research.
The purpose of homework
assignments should be clear and important to students.
Able students are more
likely to do routine homework assignments, but less likely to
profit from them. Needy students are less likely to do routine
homework assignments and more likely to profit form them.
Therefore, it is appropriate to assign projects and
independent study to the more able students and initiate
routine practice in class to students requiring more
repetition.
Teachers should provide
all students, but particularly the more able student, with
frequent opportunities to engage in long term projects, which
they have helped develop.
Teachers should be
especially considerate of demands on student's time.
Teachers should show
recognition of student time and effort by evaluating and/or
correcting homework assignments.
Teachers should recognize
the importance of homework in the home/school relationship and
continue to keep parents informed.
The ultimate purpose of
homework is to help the student become a self-directed and
independent learner, not as punishment or disciplinary
device.
